Justification:
The species has a fairly small range; its extent of occurrence is >20,000 km², but it occupies specific habitat types and its area of occupancy may be quite small. It is rapidly declining due to ploughing of previously uncultivated land (but population trend has not been quantified). It is assessed as Near Threatened (potentially close to qualifying for a threatened category under both criteria A and B).

Rare species, in Talass valley (Kyrgyzstan) used to be common, but population is rapidly declining due to ploughing incult areas. In different part of the range population density differs: in Chuya valley is 0,5-16 individuals per ha (Yanushevich et al., 1972); in Talass valley is 4-5 individuals per km of walking calculation (Shenbrot et al. 1995); in Nuratau 0,5-0,6 individuals per ha (Pavlenko and Gubaidulina, 1970).

Stenobiont, inhabit incult areas of piedmont semidesert with light vegetation (wormwood, ephemeras, and saltworts). Prefers clay and argil sand grounds, avoid rubbly areas. In mountains found up to 1000-1200 m. Omnivorous. In spring feed on green sprouts, in summer mainly on seeds. In second part of summer, because of drought, diet changes to underground plant parts. Animals are present in the diet, but never as a main part (Yanushevich et al., 1975; Shenbrot et al. 1995).

In eastern part of the range hibernation may last from beginning of October till end of February (Chuya valley), or from end of October to mid-March (Karatau). In western part of the range (Nuratau) hibernation occurs from second half of October till mid-February - beginning of March (Pavlenko and Gubaidulina, 1970). Use three types of burrows: permanent summer, wintering and temporary shelters.

Permanent summer burrows are simple, main passage leads to nest. Two-three passages bifurcate from the main path and lead to surface, but do not end with an exit. Nest is 7-15 cm in diameter. Wintering burrows are without additional exits and deeper under ground (61-89 cm). Passage length is 161-178 cm (Shenbrot, 1995). Nocturnal, most probably obligatory solitary. Reproduction occurs twice per season, in March - June and August - September. Litter size is 1 to 6 (usually 3-5) young.